Business Insider South Africa spoke to UCT’s Kumeshnee West, and Bianca Solomon, human capital manager at the University of Stellenbosch’s Business School, about how South Africans can get the most from their public holidays.

1) Relax!
“Don’t work! It’s that simple,” West says.

“Don’t look at email. Do things that are going to create space for you rest your mind and your body and find things that help you rest and connect with people.”

USB’s Solomon says you don’t have to be “busy” to be productive and make the most of your public holidays.

2) Plan ahead.
Whether it is making sure your fridge is fully stocked, or that important admin has been taken care of, you should plan ahead to make most of your free time, Solomon says. Take a moment and think about what is important to you and make plans to do it.

3) Be financially savvy
Most public holidays end up costing families thousands in unnecessary expenses, Solomon says.

Taking a walk with the dogs, spending a day at the beach, a hike or a picnic are all low-cost ways to relax without breaking the bank.

4) Prioritize what is important
Too many people waste their public holidays zoning out on the couch, and not enough time doing something they love, Solomon says. Do something creative, see people, or do pretty much anything you can derive meaning from.

With its beginnings in art, Maboneng, a Sotho word meaning “place of light”has evolved into a collaborative hub of culture, business and lifestyle that entices curiosity, encourages exploration and promotes